Unveiling the Incidence of Interfirm Collaboration: Evidence from Research and Development Companies in Malaysia

Zurina  Adnan; Johanim  Johari; Hazman Shah  Abdullah; Jasmine  Ahmad

Zurina Adnan University Utara Malaysia
Johanim Johari University Utara Malaysia
Hazman Shah Abdullah Universiti Teknologi MARA
Jasmine Ahmad Universiti Teknologi MARA

Keywords: Interfirm Collaboration, Human Resource Management

Abstract

Nowadays, interfirm collaboration has become an increasingly popular strategy among many organizations in various industries, in order to remain competitive. Based on the contingency theory, this paper examines the moderating effect of interfirm collaboration on the relationship between Human Resource Management (HRM) practices and organizational performance. Interfirm collaboration refers to the collaboration strategies undertaken by R&D companies, with other companies in similar or diverse functional areas, including R&D, marketing, or manufacturing, to enhance performance. Using data from 64 R&D companies, the hierarchical regression analyses showed that only collaboration in R&D and functional collaboration in manufacturing significantly moderated the relationship between HRM practices and organizational performance. Overall, the results provided partial support in the domain of the contingency theory. These results, however, are limited by the small sample size, which might have produced non-significant findings. Therefore, the generalization should be taken cautiously. Future research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm the findings.

Author Biographies

Zurina Adnan, University Utara Malaysia

Senior Lecturer at the School of Business Management, Universiti Utara Malaysia. She earn her Ph.D. (2014) in Administrative Science from Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia; and her Master Degree (2001) in Human Resource Management from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; and her Bachelor of Business Administration (1997) in Human Resource Management from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, USA. Her research experience are Strategic Human Resource, Management, Human Resource Development, and Organizational Behavior.

Author contact details: School of Business Management, College of Business 06010 Sintok Kedah; phone: 604-9287557; e-mail: rina@uum.edu.my.

Johanim Johari, University Utara Malaysia

Senior Lecturer at the School of Business Management, Universiti Utara Malaysia. He earn his Ph.D. (2011) in Human Resource Management, from University Utara Malaysia; his Master of Science (2011) in Human Resource Development, University Putra Malaysia; and his Bachelor of Science (1997) in Management from Arizona State University, USA. His research experience are Human Resource Management, Performance Management, Organizational Behavior.

Author contact details: School of Business Management, College of Business 06010 Sintok Kedah; phone: 604-9287530; e-mail: johanim@uum.edu.my.

Hazman Shah Abdullah, Universiti Teknologi MARA

Professor at the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. He earn his DBA (1996) in Human Resource Management from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia; his Masters of Public Administration (1987) in Public Management, from University of Southern California, USA; and his Bachelor of Economics (1981) in Public Management, from University Malaya. His research area are Quality Management, Public Management, Human Resource Management.

Author contact details: Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor; e-mail: hazman@mqa.gov.my.

Jasmine Ahmad, Universiti Teknologi MARA

Professor at the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA. She earn her Doctor of Business Management (2005) in Strategic Management and Marketing, from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; her Master of Public Administration (1987) in Public Management, from Syracuse University, USA; her Bachelor of Science (1986) in Management, from Syracuse University, USA. Her research experience are Strategic Management, Public Administration, Industrial Relations.

Author contact details: Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor; phone: 603-55444155; e-mail: jasmi661@salam.uitm.edu.my.

References

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